Connecticut lawmakers voted on marijuana legalization this week after years of debate, and the 297-page measure is a sweeping package that establishes the framework for the new marijuana market, creates an option to erase past criminal convictions and seeks to allow those most harmed from cannabis prohibition to profit from the new industry.
Retail sales are expected to begin around May 2022, but the bill does not include a start date. Here’s nine key things to know about the legislation:
Marijuana possession would become legal July 1
One of the first provisions of the bill to take effect would be the actual legalization of cannabis on July 1 for adults 21 and up. Individuals will be allowed to have no more than 1.5 ounces of marijuana on their person and as much as 5 ounces in their home or locked in their car’s trunk or glove box. Those ages 18-20 in possession of less than 5 ounces of marijuana would face a small fine for their first offense and those younger than 18 would receive a written warning and a referral to youth services.
Past criminal convictions for marijuana would be erased
The legislation allows individuals with past convictions for marijuana offenses to have those convictions erased. According to the legislation, anyone convicted of possessing four ounces or less of cannabis from between Jan. 1, 2000, and Sept. 30, 2015, would automatically have their record wiped clean. Those convicted before Jan. 1, 2000, or from Oct. 15, 2015 through June 30, 2021, could petition a court to have their record erased. The automatic erasures would take effect Jan. 1, 2023, and petitions to have records erased could be filed beginning July 1, 2022. [Read More @ The Hartford Courant]
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